Month: January 2017

I’ve just returned from my first trip to India. Some of the words I’ve been using to tell people about it: Intense, overwhelming and beautiful. I am still reflecting and processing all that I experienced. Continue reading “Reflections on My Trip to India”

GRIT means you persevere; you’re tenacious. You have a passion to see things through to a goal.

HUSTLE is all about movement; making things happen; energy; getting busy about getting things done. (Like when you’re soccer coach told you he wanted to see more ‘hustle out there’ from you.)

We underestimate the power of these qualities in leaders.

There are lots of things it takes to be a great leader. Great leaders are visionaries. Great leaders empower others. Great leaders is influence.

But lets not forget great leaders also show grit and hustle.

When I think of all the great leaders I work with, they all demonstrate these traits in some way. In fact, if you can show me these in anyone, I am convinced you have the makings of a GREAT leader. These leaders have a sense of urgency and this focuses them on what needs to be done.

Indeed, showing grit and hustle have helped me succeed…

When I was in the Army, demonstrating grit and hustle got me promoted.

When I was in business, grit and hustle helped me climb the ladder pretty quick. That led to more money and greater opportunities.

When planting churches we talked about getting after it and finishing the tasks before us.

I would like to see the church talk about these qualities in potential ministry leaders and church planters. I think they’re essential.

Grit and hustle aren’t sexy and they’re not cool. They can be hard. (No – they are hard). They’re kind of old school. Someone actually argued with me that they aren’t Kingdom values of which I disagreed. (Didn’t Jesus and Paul and so many others persevere in the face of opposition – grit); didn’t they show some hustle about the mission – hustle – I think so.)

So for all of you who hustle to get things done and you show some grit when things get tough, I’ll always have a seat on the bus for you.

If you’re stuck in your leadership, I know a really good question you should ask the people you’re leading.

It will also be one of the hardest.

Early on in my church planting journey I was struggling to build cohesive teams. It seemed no matter what I did, I couldn’t find the right contributors and I couldn’t find the right people to apprentice into leadership. I struggled to run the ministries I was leading and so I was doing most things myself as a result.